Florida Keys...Where should I stay?

[Hooper]

Hey guys,

My wife and I want to go to the Keys in April to fish a bit. Can anyone recommend a decen and reasonable place to stay near Islamorada or Marathon? What about a guide does anyone have someone they like?

-Hooper

PS, Cape Coral was fantastic! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[GetReel]

I just got back from Hawk's Cay Resort in Duck Key, near Marathon great family spot with Marina and 3 pools etc.I think that if you want to fish, Islamorada is the better location than Marathon, as there are 3 main marinas, Whale Harbour, BudNMary's and Holiday Isle. Make sure to go the World Wide Sportsman Shop in Islamorarda, it's unbelievable for fishing equipemnt. Also for a great meal go to Morada Bay, near Islamorada Fish Co., also great views. I fished a Hatteras called "Miller Time "out of Whale Harbour and liked the Capt. and mate, slow day though, one Sail. You can get a lot of info online. beware, the phrase "Resort" in the Keys means they have plumbing. I aslo fished a 25 Contender in Marathon, "Chasin Tail". I can get you phone numbers if you want.

[Trayder]

I can second Hawks Cay, family members used to have a home on Duck Key and I would use Hawks' facilities, Dock, Pools etc when I visited. Do they still have the Doliphin encounters?

[GetReel]

Hawk's Cay was great, did the Dolphin show and rented jetskis and a boat, great spot.

[JohnS]

I agree with you guys on the Hawks Cay and I live down here, sheeesh! Good for the wife and kids too! Islamorada is much better than Marathon for a vacation an to get some fishing in. You must go to the Tiki Bar and have a Rum Runner while you are down here. If you don't, you are missing out on an experience!
When in April will you be going down there because, and you need to know this, there is a MS Bike Ride that is going to be going from southern Miami down to the Keys and back on the weekend of April 26th and 27th. The hotels and motels will be packed that weekend. I know because my girlfriend rides in it. Plan early if that is the time you will be down there. Oh, and if it happens to be that time, let me know because I will be down there that weekend as well...

John

[TarponTom]

Heres a link to a place I like in Marathon. It's not Hawks Cay but neither is the price. It's on the Gulf side right at Vaca Cut. The thing I love is your boat is literally at your back door. They have a ramp also.
http://www.thefloridakeys.com/royalhawaiian/

[TUGBOAT]

Hooper
I sent some links , charter advise a few days ago.Offtopic/Fishing
Chesapeak resort $$??in Islamorada across from the TIKI bar & next to Whale Harbor.ALL YOU can EAT Seafood Buffet.Down the road to World Wide Sportsman.
Charter boats everywhere.Islamorada has more of a KEYS atmosphere than the Big city of Marathon.
Scream'n Reels
Brad
Frenzie Lures
Flip Flops & RumRunners !!

[Hooper]

Thanks to ALL!

I will follow up on all the good info you have given me, it is appreciated!

I have fished Islamorada and stayed on a boat called Sight-Sea-Er which was right at Bud & Mary's. Crossing US1 after a few hours at Papa Joes Tiki Bar was a thrill...

Is Big Dick still playing at Woody's???? Figured I take my wife nad sit up front, then watch the show!

Thanks AGAIN CSC!!!!!!

-Hooper

[TUGBOAT]

YES HE IS !!!!!!!!
Brad

[CMBarnes]

I just brought my new (1975 23 cc) Seacraft home from the keys this weekend. We stayed one night on Duck Key at a friends and one night in Key West where the boat was. Duck Key is very nice and family oriented. We where near the resort and marina. Last May me and a friend rented a room at the Kingsail Motel in Marathon. It was nice and clean and your boat is in a slip just feet from your door. I know they have a web-site... www.marathonfla.com Regardless of where you stay you should definitely have lunch or dinner at Herbie's in Marathon. Great seafood and even better prices. Wish I could head back down soon but I have a boat to restore. Enjoy your trip!!
CMB